complement 1 of 2

1
as in supplement
something that serves to complete or make up for a deficiency in something else with his practicality and her refreshing enthusiasm, they are perfect complements to each other

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2
as in capacity
the largest number or amount that something can hold a full complement of sailors on the ship

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complement

2 of 2

verb

as in to adorn
to serve as a completing element to this silk handkerchief will complement your suit very nicely and give it a bit of dash

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of complement
Noun
The wide, vintage look not only complements everyday outfits with a sweater or T-shirt, but can also be worn with an elegant top and blazer to evening events. Katharina Fuchs, Glamour, 26 Oct. 2025 The cardamom and iris in Santal 33 complement the incense notes in Babycat while adding a smoky woodiness that makes the whole blend even more intriguing. Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 23 Oct. 2025
Verb
The interior designer’s Wayfair rug collection with Loloi includes so many options in neutral shades and subtle patterns that complement a variety of home styles, including modern, farmhouse, and traditional aesthetics. Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 7 Nov. 2025 Her experience and negotiation skills complemented Mark’s courtroom focus, laying the foundation for both their relationship and their future firm. William Jones, USA Today, 7 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for complement
Recent Examples of Synonyms for complement
Noun
  • Before starting a supplement, consult with your healthcare provider to determine the optimal dosage.
    T'Keyah Bazin, Verywell Health, 5 Nov. 2025
  • OneGenAway is hosting drive-through food supplement pickups.
    Gabrielle Chenault, Nashville Tennessean, 5 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Their 14,700-capacity stadium has plenty of old-school charm but badly needs modernisation.
    Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 9 Nov. 2025
  • The system’s ability to seamlessly coordinate with these diverse assets demonstrated its capacity for intelligent, integrated mission solutioning, according to a press release.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 9 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • The celebration is necessary, considering HomeGoods conducted a survey that found 63 percent of people (among 1,000 early decorators and 500 non-early decorators) believe adorning your space early invites judgment.
    Victoria Uwumarogie, Essence, 7 Nov. 2025
  • The facade is adorned with the brand’s signature cannage pattern, while inside there is Versailles parquet flooring similar to the Dior flagship at 30 Montaigne, the house’s historic address.
    Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 7 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • The map displays the 40 airports required by the FAA to reduce flights, which are primarily major airports in large cities with high volumes of air traffic.
    Rob Wile, NBC news, 7 Nov. 2025
  • Mayer, the iconic poet perhaps best known for her poem tracing midwinter day in a volume of that title, took a roll of film for each day of a month and maintained a daily diary.
    Diana Arterian, Literary Hub, 6 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Since 2019, California has partnered with jurisdictions in 28 countries—touching more than a quarter of the world’s population, with a combined GDP in the tens of trillions of dollars—to cut greenhouse gases, enhance climate resilience and develop clean energy.
    MSNBC Newsweek, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2025
  • The stretchy cuffs help lock in heat, while the palm side has grip-enhancing rubber details.
    Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 6 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Qatari Diar, the real estate arm of Doha’s sovereign wealth fund, is also developing a tourism resort on Egypt’s Red Sea coast.
    Manal Albarakati, semafor.com, 7 Nov. 2025
  • The 20-member male and female cast includes a lineup of entrepreneurs, an attorney, real estate professionals, nurse, artists, chefs, insurance broker, university lecturer and more.
    Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 7 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Mills and the Texans’ offense scored a touchdown on all three of their fourth-quarter drives, including the veteran quarterback capping a 14-play, 93-yard drive with a 14-yard run to complete the comeback and give Houston a 30-29 lead — its first of the game.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 10 Nov. 2025
  • Despite the game-ending gaffe, Schakel had a strong day, completing 43 of 63 passes for 451 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions.
    Alex Valdes, New York Times, 9 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • The images, never meant for public view, showed officers eating fruit, decorating Christmas trees, singing, relaxing with their dogs.
    Miguel Sirgado, Miami Herald, 11 Nov. 2025
  • There’s something about decorating for Christmas that feels more momentous than decorating for the other holidays.
    Quincy Bulin, Southern Living, 11 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Complement.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complement. Accessed 16 Nov. 2025.

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